SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Sept. 8, 2017 – The Dominican Ministry of Tourism reports that the country’s tourist destinations were not negatively affected by Hurricane Irma and are up-and-running as usual.

Airports, roads and ports are operating without interruption as well as public services, such as water and electricity, in touristic areas.

“Hotels and resorts are back to normal and welcoming tourists,” said Dominican Tourism Minister Francisco Javier García. “Thanks to God and to the application of well-planed security and prevention protocols, no tourist or hotel center suffered any serious damage.”

The president of the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES), Joel Santos, added “We are pleased that Hurricane Irma passed through the Atlantic coast of our country without causing damages that impede the operation of our hotel infrastructure and the other fundamental services we offer to tourists. ”

All the airports of the country are operational and the flight itineraries are operating normally – receiving flights from all over America and the main cities of Europe.

The cruise ports were not damaged and are reestablishing operations.

Communication routes, such as streets and roads, are free for vehicular traffic.

All tourist attractions and excursions are functioning normally and welcoming tourists.

The Dominican Republic, a safe destination and #1 vacation spot in the Caribbean, maintains the commitment to offer its visitors a best-in-class experience, superior service and an all-around incredible tourist product based on the highest industry standards.

PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Sept. 8, 2017 – The Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is operating normally and received its first flight Thursday, September 7 at 8:15 a.m. EST from Argentina. The Aerolíneas Argentinas flight, brought 130 tourists into PUJ and took off from the airport to its destination at 10:15 a.m. EST with 224 passengers.

The management of the Punta Cana International Airport explained that as Hurricane Irma moves away from the Punta Cana area, more flights will be confirmed until they reach normal. Currently, they are scheduled for 42 daily flights, which is only one short of the airport’s typical low-season average of 43.

Hurricane Irma passed in the early hours of Thursday, September 7, off the coast of Punta Cana without causing major damage. The Association of Eastern Hotels confirmed that the hotels and properties in the area have not been affected and are able to attend and receive tourists.

The Ministry of Tourism reaffirms that the Dominican Republic is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to situations of this nature. The government launched the Hurricane Contingency Plan and the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES), has activated international protocols to protect residents and visitors to the country.

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UPDATE #3

Destinations in Dominican Republic Prepare for Arrival Hurricane Irma

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Sept. 6, 2017 – The National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced the continuation of the Hurricane Warning for the northern part of the Dominican Republic from Cabo Engaño to the Bay of Manzanillo. This area includes the destinations of Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Samaná. NHC will also continue a Tropical Storm Warning from Cabo Engaño and covering the entire south coast. This includes Isla Saona, La Romana, Santo Domingo and Barahona. NHC stated that Hurricane Irma is expected to make landfall within the next 24-hours, with tropical force winds beginning today.

The government of the Dominican Republic, under the leadership of President Danilo Medina, is in an ongoing session with the Emergency Operations Center (COE), the Ministries of Tourism, Public Health and Public Works, to ensure an efficient and immediate activation of their contingency plans to address the effects of Hurricane Irma. In addition, the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES), has activated protocols, based on international best practices, to protect those people currently in-country.

“There has been no need for massive evacuations. We have established safe zones and shelters for all tourists currently in-country and have secured a stockpile of the necessary food and water to make sure everyone is taken care of and comfortable to wait out the storm,” said Joel Santos, president of the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES). “In addition, tour operators, airlines and other business partners working with the country are also executing their contingency processes to ensure the security and safety of their customers.”

At the moment, all airports in the country are operating normally, but select airlines have canceled some of their operations for today (Wednesday) and tomorrow Thursday, September 7. In addition, the Ministry of Tourism has suspended all sea and land excursions in tourist areas, as a precautionary measure. As for transit, some shipping companies have modified the route of their arrivals.

For tourists with trips reserved to the north and east coasts of the Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Tourism recommends:

– Check with airlines and shipping companies if flights / cruises have been rescheduled or canceled. Many are offering a refund or rebooking options.

– Contact your tour operator to see if there have been any changes to your plans

– Check with our offices of Tourist Promotion, the Consulate of the Dominican Republic and / or our website (www.godominicanrepublic.com) to update on the weather conditions of the destination

The welfare and safety of our visitors is always the priority for the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (MITUR). We will be vigilantly monitoring the situation as it progresses and will be providing updates, as needed.

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UPDATE #2

The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism Confirms Country is Prepared for Arrival of Hurricane Irma

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Sept. 6, 2017 – The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has increased its alert level and officially issued a Hurricane Warning for the northern part of the Dominican Republic from Cabo Engaño to the Bay of Manzanillo. This area includes the destinations of Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Samaná. NHC has also raised the alert level to a Tropical Storm Warning from Cabo Engaño and covering the entire south coast. This includes Isla Saona, La Romana, Santo Domingo and Barahona. NHC issues these warnings 36 hours in advance of tropical storm-force winds to allow time for people in these areas to complete preparations.

The Ministry of Tourism reaffirms that the Dominican Republic is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to situations of this nature. The government launched the Hurricane Contingency Plan and the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES), has activated international protocols to protect residents and visitors to the country.

“ASONAHORES, along with the Ministry of Tourism, have been preparing since last week to ensure all precautions have been taken and all international protocols and contingency plans have been activated to help ensure the safety of visitors and residents alike,” said Joel Santos, president of the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES). “We have been and will continue to be in constant communication with each of the regions of the country to keep close tabs on the ever-evolving situation – allowing us to offer immediate and specific support.”

For tourists with trips reserved to the north and east coasts of the Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Tourism recommends:

– Check with airlines and shipping companies if flights / cruises have been rescheduled or canceled. Many are offering a refund or rebooking options.

– Contact your tour operator to see if there have been any changes to your plans.

The welfare and safety of our visitors is always the priority for the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (MITUR). We will be vigilantly monitoring the situation as it progresses and will be providing updates, as needed.

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UPDATE #1

The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism Confirms Country is Prepared for Arrival of Hurricane Irma

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Sept. 5, 2017 – The Dominican Republic National Office of Meteorology and the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida have issued a hurricane alert or watch from Cabo Engaño to Bahía de Manzanillo – a zone that includes the destinations of Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, Samaná, and a Tropical Storm alert from Cabo Engaño to Saona Island, due to the possible passage of Hurricane Irma, scheduled for Thursday September 7.

The Ministry of Tourism reaffirms that the Dominican Republic is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to situations of this nature. The President of the Dominican Republic, Danilo Medina, declared a permanent hold to its government cabinet and ordered a hurricane plan of contingency to the corresponding authorities.

The hotel sector has activated international protocols to protect visitors to the country and the people who collaborate with tourist activities.

For tourists with trips planned for the North and East Coasts of the Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Tourism recommends the following:

• Verify with airline providers to see if flights have been rescheduled or canceled

• Contact your tour operator to see if there have been any changes to your plans

At the moment, all airports in the country operate normally; however, all sea and land excursions in tourist areas have been suspended, as a precautionary measure.

The welfare and safety of our visitors is a priority for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. Therefore, we will be vigilant and alert of the situation, and we will be providing updates as required.

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About Dominican Republic

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles (1,575 km) of coastline, 250 miles (402 km) of the world’s top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches.

Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amber and larimar.

Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.